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Dejan Lovren's injury may present an opportunity to this Liverpool academy product

Lovren became the latest Liverpool player to be injured on international duty, meaning an opportunity could arise for Lloyd Jones.

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren was withdrawn from duty with the Croatian national side after picking up a knee injury.

Lovren was signed for £20 million in the summer from Southampton with manager Brendan Rodgers keen to tighten up a back line that conceded 50 goals in the Premier League last season, with Lovren earmarked as someone who can bring leadership to the side.

Also sidelined at the moment for Liverpool is French defender Mamadou Sakho who is struggling with a thigh injury. Depending on the severity of Lovren and Sakho's injuries, Kolo Toure is likely to partner Martin Skrtel at the heart of the defence until one or the othe is fit enough to return to action.

It means there is a place for another centre-back on the substitutes bench at least, and perhaps a starting role against Swansea City in the League Cup for one young central defender at the club. The man likely to be in line for a role in the first team would be Lloyd Jones.

Jones has previously experience the first team environment with the Reds before but has yet to sample the action at that level.

Brendn Rodgers did a similar thing after the first international break of the year. With midfielders Emre Can and Joe Allen picking up injuries - when a thigh problem for striker Daniel Sturridge caught all the headlines - the Reds were a little short in the central midfield area.

Jordan Rossiter and Jordan Williams were called up to train with the first team as a result and were both given an opportunity to impress in a League Cup tie against Middlesbrough. Rossiter scored his first goal on his debut, whilst Williams looked composed and stepped up to take a penalty in the marathon 14-13 shootout.

Injuries may not be great for the side, but it could present an opportunity to others. Lloyd Jones may have one right now.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.